The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) invites outdoor enthusiasts across the state to take part in the 2025 Five Hikes Challenge, running from August 30 through October 31.

This year’s theme, “Hike with Heart,” celebrates the connections people form with New Hampshire’s forests and the shared responsibility to care for them. Participants select five hikes from a list of more than 30 Forest Society destinations statewide, ranging from quiet woodlands to scenic summits.

Upon registering, participants will receive printed trail guides, interpretive materials, and the official Five Hikes Challenge sticker. The Forest Society Mobile App (powered by OuterSpatial) offers additional tools, including maps, photo sharing, check-ins, and guided group hike opportunities.

By hiking with heart, participants are encouraged to:
• Walk the land, share the love by posting photos and tagging @ForestSociety with #5HikesChallenge.
• Demonstrate thoughtful stewardship by following the Wildly Responsible principles: plan, pack, and prepare; care for others; protect and preserve; and go have fun.
• Inspire belonging by inviting friends, family, or neighbors to join the challenge and feel connected to a growing community that cares for the land.

“The Five Hikes Challenge is about more than reaching a destination — it’s about building connections,” said Carrie Deegan, vice president for recreation management and public engagement at the Forest Society. “When people hike with heart, they discover new trails, share those experiences with others, and help strengthen a statewide community that values and protects our forests.”

Registration is open now at forestsociety.org/5hikeschallenge2025.

For more information about Wildly Responsible, please visit https://www.visitnh.gov/wildly-responsible.

ABOUT THE FOREST SOCIETY
Established in 1901, the Forest Society is a private, nonprofit land trust and forestry organization that owns more than 200 forest conservation properties—nearly 67,000 acres in 105 New Hampshire communities—and holds conservation easements that permanently protect an additional 140,000 acres statewide. Forest Society properties are open to the public and draw more than 500,000 visitors annually. To learn more or become a member, please visit forestsociety.org.